Frequently Asked Questions

Are the IFRA Standards recognized by any national or regional authorities at present?

Yes. The European Cosmetics Industry Association (COLIPA) asks for a certificate of IFRA compliance as part of the safety assessment for cosmetic products to satisfy the demands of the European Cosmetics Directive, the Brazilian policy makers have actually adopted the IFRA Standards into Law, and that the new South East Asia Pacific (ASEAN) cosmetic directive which took effect on January 1, 2008 explicitly refers to the IFRA Standards as far as fragrances in cosmetic products are concerned.

Can we see which products are analysed as part of the IFRA Compliance Program and who makes them?

No. This information is kept confidential to avoid any potential for bias or impropriety in the process. The identity of the fragrance manufacturer is only made known if a banned substance is detected and the company fails to rectify the situation.

How long has the IFRA Compliance Program been running?

The first cycle of the Compliance program covered the period May 2006 to April 2007 and is carried out every 12 month period from May to April.

Is RIFMs science independent?

All scientific findings are evaluated by RIFM's Expert Panel. The Panel is an independent and international group of dermatologists, pathologists, environmental scientists and toxicologists. It advises RIFM on strategic approach, reviews protocols and evaluates all of RIFM's scientific findings. The Panel's evaluations are used by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) to develop standards on fragrance material usage. RIFM's staff scientists reach out to the international fragrance industry through electronic bulletins about progress in environmental testing, respiratory research and skin sensitivity testing, publication of the latest results in peer-reviewed scientific publications and by in-person presentations at professional societies, individual companies, government agencies, industry committee and association meetings.

RIFMs mission

Engage in research and evaluation of fragrance materials through an independent Expert Panel
Determine safety in use
Gather, analyze and publish scientific information
Distribute scientific data and safety assessment judgments to RIFM members, industry associations and other interested parties
Maintain an active dialogue with official international agencies

RIFMs vision

To be the international scientific authority for the safe use of fragrance materials.

What and how many products are analysed as part of the IFRA Compliance Program?

Each year, IFRA selects the segment in each category on a rotating basis.
Ten countries where IFRA is linked to Fragrance Associations (through direct membership or through a regional association of IFRA) are selected every year by a random computer program operated by a supporting external laboratory which also operates as a third party administrator.
For the initial cycles of the program the top leading 15 products for each segment in each country, are identified based on their ranking of the preceding year.
After elimination of the products common to several country rankings and likely to contain identical fragrances, 15, 15 and 20 products according to the breakdown below are selected at random by a computer program also operated by the third party administrator:

15 in one segment of the fine fragrance category (e.g. Eau de Toilette, Perfume)
15 in one segment of the cosmetics and toiletries category (e.g. shampoo, deodorant)
20 in one or two segments of the household and detergents category (e.g. air freshener, fabric conditioner, washing powder).

These products are sampled from each related market and channelled to the external laboratory in charge of the analysis of the products.

What are IFRA Standards ?

The IFRA Standards form the basis for the globally accepted and recognized risk management system for the safe use of fragrance ingredients and are part of the product risk management process, the IFRA Code of Practice. This is the self-regulating system of the industry, based on risk assessments carried out by an independent expert panel (REXPAN).

What are RIFMs priority research areas?

Respiratory
- Understand and manage exposure
Fragrance Allergy
- Reduce incidence of clinical allergy
Human Health Methods
- Provide alternative techniques
Environmental Methods
- Predict and monitor environmental fate
Group Testing
- Characterize structural classes and ingredients
Use Level Support
- Determine safe use and IFRA Standards

What happens if someone breaks the IFRA Compliance Program rules?

If a banned substance is detected then the potential non-compliant fragrance supplier shall be contacted through the designated liaison (if available) regarding the findings.

If in case of confirmed non-compliance the supplier agrees to correct the situation, and there are no repeated violations, no further action shall be contemplated.

If the supplier does not take corrective action, the name of that supplier shall be listed on the IFRA website as not complying with the IFRA Code of Practice and the national association to which that supplier belongs shall be asked to take appropriate steps regarding membership.

If the offending company is not an IFRA member, they will be contacted by the IFRA Director General and encouraged to join their national association and commit to taking part in the IFRA Compliance Program.